3 Feb 2013

Valentine's Chocolate Cream-Filled Cupcakes

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and I have this lovely decadent recipe which would make an extremely tasty gift or dessert for a Valentine's meal. These little lovelies consist of a light chocolate sponge (made gluten free by using a gluten free flour mix), a vanilla flavoured 'cream' filling and a ganache icing with Love Heart sweets.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and place 12 cupcake cases in a cupcake tin.

Cream together 175g light brown sugar and 50g softened unsalted butter until smooth. Beat two eggs in a small bowl, then gradually add to the butter and sugar mix.

Melt 75g dark chocolate over simmering water and once melted add to the mixture along with 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and stir well.

Sift 150g plain flour, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda and a pinch of salt into the bowl and mix. Then spoon in 120ml of natural yoghurt and stir again until fully incorporated.

Spoon into the cupcake cases and place on the middle shelf of the oven for 20 minutes.

Once cool, it is time to make the cream filling.

Beat together 200g icing sugar, 100g vegetable shortening, 60-80ml milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.Using a knife, cut a well into each cupcake and put the sponge removed to one side. Spoon in approximately 2 tsp of the cream filling. Slice the removed sponge so that it will fit as a lid and place on top of the cream.

Then you just have to make a simple ganache topping by melting 150g of dark chocolate with 100ml of milk until smooth and shiny. Wait a few minutes for it to cool slightly and then spread on top of the cupcakes.

Then all you need to do is place a few Love Heart sweets on top of each cupcake.

These are so chocolatey but light at the same time and really rather delicious. Nothing too serious about them either, I like how they're pretty cheap and cheerful!

I'm not sure what is planned for me this Valentine's as for once I'm abnegating all responsibility...so fingers and eyes are firmly crossed! I'll hopefully have some nice photos to share with you though.I hope you have a lovely evening.Disclaimer: I am not to be held liable for any romance that occurs (or does not occur) as a consequence of the consumption of these cupcakes.